The holidays are here! We’ve had fun at several holiday parades, including the event that opened the Kapolei City Lights on November 30th. Now we look ahead to the 40th annual Honolulu City Lights, which will illuminate on Saturday, December 7th. This will be very special thanks to Friends of Honolulu City Lights and Mike Gangloff of Show Aloha Land. Gangloff brought new decorations to the Fasi grounds, including 250 feet of lighted tunnels, fifty lighted trees throughout the grounds, a train for keiki rides, and festive motifs.

Here are the details you need to know:

• When: Saturday, December 7th

• Where: Honolulu Hale and the Frank F. Fasi Civic Grounds

Key times:

• 4:00 p.m. for the block party including food stalls on Punchbowl Street

• 6:00 p.m. The Honolulu City Lights Opening Ceremony begins with a performance by Raiatea Helm and Friends

• 6:15 p.m.: The Public Workers’ Electric Light Parade begins at ʻAʻala Park and runs along S. King Street

• 6:30 p.m. Mayor Blangiardi will light the Christmas tree in front of Honolulu Hale

• 7:30 p.m. Sky Gate Christmas music

We’re anticipating a very busy time in and around our Chinatown and Downtown areas and want to make sure everyone is aware of Saturday’s traffic warnings as we head into the holiday season!

– Eastbound King Street through Chinatown and Downtown will be closed at Liliha Street and Dillingham Boulevard beginning at 5 p.m.
– All streets and intersections crossing King Street in Chinatown and Downtown will not be open until after the parade is complete.

If you plan to attend the Honolulu City Lights Parade, please consider arriving early. Also consider using #TheBus, which runs along Hotel Street and Beretania Street through Chinatown and Downtown. For more information, visit www.thebus.org or call 808-848-5555.

Please be careful when parking on the street as there may be restrictions for the event. Parking is available in the municipal parking lots:

1. Harbor Village
2. Hale Pauahi
3. Kekaulike Court
4. Marin Tower
5. Smith-Beretania
6. Chinatown Gate

During these holidays, please be careful NOT to rush. Allow sufficient and additional travel time to ensure you arrive on time and safely. Be considerate of all road users!